Renovations to dog kennels improve mission, quality of life

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Christopher Reel
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The Tyndall dog kennels recently underwent renovations to improve the quality of life for military working dogs, as well as provide an improved working environment for their handlers.

"This new facility provides for a better environment for the dogs and the handlers and therefore supports a better mission" said Col. Michael Fleck, 325th Mission Support Group commander.

The individual dog runs now are indoor and outdoor accessible for the animals, which aids in acclimatization for the dogs.

To improve the interior of the kennels, workers coated them with an epoxy resin. Epoxy is much like paint; however, it can last up to 15 years. Over time, due to cleaning and Florida's humid weather, latex paint often flakes off cement walls. Epoxy is oil, salt, and slip resistant, as well as United States Department of Agriculture-approved.

The dog kennels also have a new flush system which acts almost like a toilet for dogs. The system cuts down odor and bacteria build up in the kennels.

The handlers also received new work stations. Before there were two work stations that had to be shared by 10 to 12 Airmen. The new space consists of four work stations, which provides a functional and professional working environment for Airmen.

"It is a highly-coveted facility in the security forces program," said Tech. Sgt. John Russum, 325th Security Forces Squadron, noncommissioned officer in charge and kennel master. "A lot of bases are striving for this layout."

Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., Hurlbert Field, Fla., Lackland AFB, Texas and Eskan Village Air Base, Saudi Arabia have all shown an interest in duplicating the kennel design.

"We support as many deployment taskings as possible, and still keep a keen eye on Tyndall," said Colonel Fleck. "It is difficult acquiring and maintaining high performance dogs, so it is important that we take care of them."